Trace Evidence
"Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him."
What is Trace Evidence?
Trace evidence is a general term for small, often overlooked, pieces of evidence left at a crime scene. These materials, such as fibers, paint, and fire debris, can serve as silent witnesses that are not confused by the moment and do not forget.
The ultimate goal of a trace evidence examiner is to link an unknown sample from a crime scene to a known sample from a suspect or a victim. This comparison provides crucial investigative leads, which can help to link individuals, objects, and locations.
Our Disciplines
The Utah Bureau of Forensic Services offers analysis in the following areas of trace evidence:
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Paint: Analysis of paint transfers from vehicles, structures, and tools.
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Fibers: Examination of textile fibers to link individuals and locations.
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Fire Debris: Analysis of evidence from fire scenes to identify accelerants.
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General Trace: Analysis of various unknown materials that do not fit into other categories.